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College Sports

NCAA Renews Free Training Program for Men’s Basketball Officials

The program returns after drawing more than 700 participants last year.

By TSP Staff
Kansas center Christian Reeves reacts during the exhibition against Pittsburg State at Allen Fieldhouse.
Christian Reeves during Kansas–Pittsburg State at Allen Fieldhouse on October 16, 2026. The current-season game photo illustrates college basketball; it does not show the NCAA training program. · Credit: Kansas Athletics / KUathletics.com

The NCAA and RQ+ are bringing back their free development program for men’s basketball officials for a second year, the association announced Wednesday. The Next Generation Officiating Initiative combines online instruction with an opportunity for selected participants to train and work games in Detroit.

Registration opens Wednesday at 11 a.m. MDT to officials outside Division I men’s basketball. Eligible groups include Division II, Division III, junior college, NAIA and high school officials. The virtual course runs through March and covers crew communication, making calls, working with coaches and the route into college officiating.

Up to 100 participants will then be selected for an in-person program in Detroit, the host city for the 2027 men’s Final Four. That weekend includes a full-day clinic and opportunities to officiate selected USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp and Manager Games contests.

RQ+ founder Bo Boroski said the inaugural program attracted more than 700 officials, exceeding an initial aim of 100. Eligible officials can register through the RQ+ registration page by selecting the Next Gen logo.